This fall the BTA’s Education Team will teach over 1,000 4th and 5th graders in Portland to ride safely. You may see these educators out on the roads leading 30 kids on bike rides. If you do, please greet Joel, Sheilagh, Sarah, Lale, Emily, William, and Nick with a smile and a wave. Then smile and wave at the ecstatic students riding with them.

Nick, William, Lale, SheilaghJoel, Emily, Sarah

Last Friday, Nance Pautsch, volunteered to ride along with the students at Boise Eliot. She had this to say about her experience:

“Just a quick note to thank you so much for the fantastic day of Bike Safety Education Friday at Boise Eliot school!! Sheialgh and Sarah are AWESOME bike instructors & group leaders. It’s obvious how much the teachers (and principal) appreciate all of their work and efforts. It was such a joy to see so many kids so excited and enthusiastic about their accomplishments on the bikes ~ especially the new riders.

When I was leaving one of the parents stopped me to chat. He shared his excitement and support for the Safe Routes to School program at Boise Eliot. Another student’s mom told me that her son was in last year’s class and that he still talks about how much he loved it. She said that he has taught her how to drive more securely with cyclists around. Alice, one of the parents riding in the first ride, said that her child’s participation has made her want to get her whole family cycling together. Wow….nice, positive impact.”